Tay's K's 2026

In February 2022, Taylor Kite (TK) - our precious son, brother, cousin, nephew, partner and mate - a young man full of promise, with a beautiful smile and heart, loving and loved by all - died suddenly aged just 22.

In memory of Taylor we created Tay's K's. We are a group of friends and whanau who choose to participate in the annual Whitianga Runfest event as a fundraiser for preventative youth mental health in New Zealand. The choice of event is deliberate as Taylor spent most of his life holidaying at Cooks Beach. He loved the ocean and in particular fishing.

Since our first event in 2022 we have raised over $30.000. We are returning on 30 May, 2026 to run, walk and remember.

All funds raised go to the Soul Learning Trust (www.soullearningtrust.co.nz). Founded by Leigh Patuawa, who taught Taylor at Tauranga Boys' College, the Soul Learning In School programme equips our young people with mental health resources to support their wellbeing, preventatively. Through the Trust, over 30 schools and 4000 students nationwide have benefited from the program. This is just the start. We want to see it in every school in New Zealand.

Please help us, in Taylor's name, to help us reach this goal. Your support can literally save lives.